New International Version which was not made known to people in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to God’s holy apostles and prophets. New Living Translation God did not reveal it to previous generations, but now by his Spirit he has revealed it to his holy apostles and prophets. English Standard Version which was not made known to the sons of men in other generations as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit. Berean Standard Bible which was not made known to men in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to God’s holy apostles and prophets. Berean Literal Bible which was not made known to the sons of men in other generations as now it was revealed to His holy apostles and prophets in the Spirit, King James Bible Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit; New King James Version which in other ages was not made known to the sons of men, as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to His holy apostles and prophets: New American Standard Bible which in other generations was not made known to mankind, as it has now been revealed to His holy apostles and prophets in the Spirit; NASB 1995 which in other generations was not made known to the sons of men, as it has now been revealed to His holy apostles and prophets in the Spirit; NASB 1977 which in other generations was not made known to the sons of men, as it has now been revealed to His holy apostles and prophets in the Spirit; Legacy Standard Bible which in other generations was not made known to the sons of men, as it was now revealed to His holy apostles and prophets in the Spirit: Amplified Bible which in other generations was not disclosed to mankind, as it has now been revealed to His holy apostles and prophets by the [Holy] Spirit; Berean Annotated Bible which was not made known to men in other generations as it has now been revealed (uncovered) by the Spirit {Pneumati} to God’s holy apostles (sent ones) and prophets. Christian Standard Bible This was not made known to people in other generations as it is now revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit: Holman Christian Standard Bible This was not made known to people in other generations as it is now revealed to His holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit: American Standard Version which in other generations was not made known unto the sons of men, as it hath now been revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets in the Spirit; Contemporary English Version No one knew about this mystery until God's Spirit told it to his holy apostles and prophets. English Revised Version which in other generations was not made known unto the sons of men, as it hath now been revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets in the Spirit; GOD'S WORD® Translation In the past, this mystery was not known by people as it is now. The Spirit has now revealed it to his holy apostles and prophets. Good News Translation In past times human beings were not told this secret, but God has revealed it now by the Spirit to his holy apostles and prophets. International Standard Version which in previous generations was not made known to human beings as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to God's holy apostles and prophets. This is that secret: NET Bible Now this secret was not disclosed to people in former generations as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit, New Heart English Bible which in other generations was not made known to people, as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets in the Spirit; Webster's Bible Translation Which in other ages was not made known to the sons of men, as it is now revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit; Weymouth New Testament which in earlier ages was not made known to the human race, as it has now been revealed to His holy Apostles and Prophets through the Spirit-- Majority Text Translations Majority Standard Biblewhich was not made known to men in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to God’s holy apostles and prophets. World English Bible which in other generations was not made known to the children of men, as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets in the Spirit, Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionwhich in other generations was not made known to the sons of men, as it was now revealed to His holy apostles and prophets in the Spirit— Berean Literal Bible which was not made known to the sons of men in other generations as now it was revealed to His holy apostles and prophets in the Spirit, Young's Literal Translation which in other generations was not made known to the sons of men, as it was now revealed to His holy apostles and prophets in the Spirit -- Smith's Literal Translation Which in other generations was not made known to the sons of men, as now has been revealed to his holy sent and to the prophets by the Spirit: Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleWhich in other generations was not known to the sons of men, as it is now revealed to his holy apostles and prophets in the Spirit: Catholic Public Domain Version In other generations, this was unknown to the sons of men, even as it has now been revealed to his holy Apostles and Prophets in the Spirit, New American Bible which was not made known to human beings in other generations as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit, New Revised Standard Version In former generations this mystery was not made known to humankind, as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit: Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleWhich in ages past was not made known to the sons of men, as it is now revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit; Aramaic Bible in Plain English Which in other generations was not made known to the children of men as now it is revealed to his holy Apostles and to his Prophets by The Spirit: NT Translations Anderson New Testamentwhich, in other generations, was not made known to the sons of men, as it is now revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit; Godbey New Testament which in other generations was not made known to the sons of men, as it is now revealed to his holy apostles and prophets through the Spirit; Haweis New Testament which in other generations was not made known to the children of men, as it hath been now revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit; Mace New Testament which preceeding was not discover'd to men, as now it is to his holy apostles and prophets by the spirit; to wit, Weymouth New Testament which in earlier ages was not made known to the human race, as it has now been revealed to His holy Apostles and Prophets through the Spirit-- Worrell New Testament which in other generations was not made known to the sons of men, as it was now revealed to His holy apostles and prophets in the Spirit; Worsley New Testament which in other generations was not made known to men, as it is now revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit; that the Gentiles should be co-heirs, Additional Translations ... Audio Bible (Voice ▾ Musical ▾) Context The Mystery of the Gospel…4In reading this, then, you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ, 5which was not made known to men in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to God’s holy apostles and prophets. 6This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are fellow heirs, fellow members of the body, and fellow partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus.… Cross References which was not made known to men in other generations Colossians 1:26 the mystery that was hidden for ages and generations but is now revealed to His saints. Romans 16:25 Now to Him who is able to strengthen you by my gospel and by the proclamation of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery concealed for ages past 1 Peter 1:10-12 Concerning this salvation, the prophets who foretold the grace to come to you searched and investigated carefully, / trying to determine the time and setting to which the Spirit of Christ in them was pointing when He predicted the sufferings of Christ and the glories to follow. / It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves, but you, when they foretold the things now announced by those who preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven. Even angels long to look into these things. as it has now been revealed by the Spirit 1 Corinthians 2:10 But God has revealed it to us by the Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God. 1 Corinthians 2:13 And this is what we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom, but in words taught by the Spirit, expressing spiritual truths in spiritual words. John 16:13 However, when the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all truth. For He will not speak on His own, but He will speak what He hears, and He will declare to you what is to come. to God’s holy apostles and prophets. 1 Corinthians 12:28 And in the church God has appointed first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then workers of miracles, and those with gifts of healing, helping, administration, and various tongues. Luke 11:49 Because of this, the wisdom of God said, ‘I will send them prophets and apostles; some of them they will kill and others they will persecute.’ Revelation 18:20 Rejoice over her, O heaven, and you saints and apostles and prophets, because God has pronounced for you His judgment against her. 1 Corinthians 2:7-10 No, we speak of the mysterious and hidden wisdom of God, which He destined for our glory before time began. / None of the rulers of this age understood it. For if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. / Rather, as it is written: “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no heart has imagined, what God has prepared for those who love Him.” … Matthew 13:17 For truly I tell you, many prophets and righteous men longed to see what you see but did not see it, and to hear what you hear but did not hear it. Acts 10:28 He said to them, “You know how unlawful it is for a Jew to associate with a foreigner or visit him. But God has shown me that I should not call any man impure or unclean. Galatians 1:12 I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it; rather, I received it by revelation from Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 15:51 Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed— Colossians 2:2-3 that they may be encouraged in heart, knit together in love, and filled with the full riches of complete understanding, so that they may know the mystery of God, namely Christ, / in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. 1 Timothy 3:16 By common confession, the mystery of godliness is great: He appeared in the flesh, was vindicated by the Spirit, was seen by angels, was proclaimed among the nations, was believed in throughout the world, was taken up in glory. Treasury of Scripture Which in other ages was not made known to the sons of men, as it is now revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit; in other. Ephesians 3:9 And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ: Matthew 13:17 For verily I say unto you, That many prophets and righteous men have desired to see those things which ye see, and have not seen them; and to hear those things which ye hear, and have not heard them. Luke 10:24 For I tell you, that many prophets and kings have desired to see those things which ye see, and have not seen them; and to hear those things which ye hear, and have not heard them. as it. Ephesians 2:20 And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; Ephesians 4:11,12 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; … Matthew 23:34 Wherefore, behold, I send unto you prophets, and wise men, and scribes: and some of them ye shall kill and crucify; and some of them shall ye scourge in your synagogues, and persecute them from city to city: by. Luke 2:26,27 And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord's Christ… John 14:26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. John 16:13 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. Jump to Previous Ages Apostles Children Earlier Generation Generations God's Holy Human Power Prophets Race Revealed SpiritJump to Next Ages Apostles Children Earlier Generation Generations God's Holy Human Power Prophets Race Revealed SpiritEphesians 3 1. The hidden mystery that the Gentiles should be saved was made known to Paul by revelation;8. and to him was that grace given, that he should preach it. 13. He desires them not to be discouraged over his tribulation; 14. and prays that they may perceive the great love of Christ toward them. which was not made known to men in other generations God had not fully disclosed His purpose to unite believing Jews and Gentiles in one body. The Old Testament foretold blessing for the nations, yet the equality of Gentiles with Israel in Christ remained a hidden part of God’s plan until the coming of the gospel. Col 1:26 the mystery that was hidden for ages and generations… as it has now been revealed by the Spirit The Holy Spirit made this truth known in the apostolic age, not through human discovery but through divine revelation. The inclusion of Gentiles was central to God’s redemptive purpose in Christ. 1Co 2:10 But God has revealed it to us by the Spirit.… to God’s holy apostles and prophets. God entrusted this revelation to the apostles and New Testament prophets, who laid the doctrinal foundation of the church. Set apart for His service, they proclaimed with authority that Gentile believers share fully in the promises of Christ. 1Co 12:28 And in the church God has appointed first of all apostles… Persons / Places / Events 1. Paul the ApostleThe author of the letter to the Ephesians, Paul is writing to the church in Ephesus to explain the mystery of Christ and the unity of Jews and Gentiles in the body of Christ. 2. Holy Apostles These are the chosen messengers of Christ, including Paul, who were given the task of spreading the Gospel and establishing the early church. 3. Prophets In the New Testament context, these are individuals who were given divine insight and revelation to communicate God’s will to the church. 4. The Spirit Refers to the Holy Spirit, who is the revealer of divine mysteries and the one who empowers the apostles and prophets to understand and communicate God’s truth. 5. Other Generations This refers to the people of the Old Testament era who did not have the full revelation of the mystery of Christ that was later revealed in the New Testament. Teaching Points The Progressive Revelation of God’s PlanGod’s plan of salvation and the inclusion of the Gentiles was progressively revealed, culminating in the New Testament era. This teaches us about the unfolding nature of God’s revelation and His perfect timing. The Role of the Holy Spirit in Revelation The Holy Spirit is the divine agent who reveals God’s mysteries. Believers today are encouraged to rely on the Spirit for understanding and wisdom in spiritual matters. Unity in the Body of Christ The revelation of the mystery underscores the unity of Jews and Gentiles in Christ. This calls us to embrace unity and diversity within the church, recognizing that all believers are part of one body. The Authority of Apostles and Prophets The apostles and prophets were foundational to the church, having received direct revelation from God. This highlights the importance of adhering to the teachings of Scripture as the authoritative word of God. The Importance of Scripture Study Since the mystery has been revealed through the apostles and prophets, studying Scripture is crucial for understanding God’s will and purpose for our lives. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Ephesians 3:5?2. How does Ephesians 3:5 reveal the mystery previously hidden from past generations? 3. What role do apostles and prophets play in Ephesians 3:5's revelation? 4. How can we discern God's mysteries today, as in Ephesians 3:5? 5. How does Ephesians 3:5 connect with the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20? 6. How can we apply the revelation of Ephesians 3:5 in our daily lives? 7. How does Ephesians 3:5 reveal the mystery of Christ to the apostles and prophets? 8. Why was the mystery of Christ hidden from previous generations according to Ephesians 3:5? 9. What role do apostles and prophets play in Ephesians 3:5? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Ephesians 3? (5) Which in other ages (rather, to other generations) was not made known unto the sons of men.--For the general sense comp. Colossians 1:27. The phrase "the sons of men" (except that it is once used in Mark 3:28) is peculiar to the Old Testament, where it is of frequent use in the poetical books, and it is notable that in Ezekiel it is the name by which the prophet himself is constantly addressed. Hence, although it is probably wrong to restrict to the children of Israel, or to the prophets, words which by their very nature apply to all mankind, yet the phrase seems to be used with a suggestion of the contrast between the old dispensation and the new. (Comp. our Lord's words in Matthew 11:11, "Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist: notwithstanding he that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.") As it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit.--The application of the epithet "holy" to the Apostles has been thought strange as coming from one of their number; and it is worth notice that this exceptional application is certainly more appropriate to the comparatively impersonal style of an encyclical epistle. But the epithet (applied to the Old Testament prophets in Luke 1:70; Acts 3:21; 2Peter 3:2), like the frequent use of it as the substantive "saints," in application to all Christians, refers not to personal character, but to official call and privilege. In this passage it is clear that it is used thus, in emphatic contrast with "the sons of men" above, and in connection with the following words, "in the Spirit." The contrast here briefly conveyed is the same which is drawn out in 1 Corinthians 2 between the "wisdom of men," and the "wisdom of God," sanctifying, and so enlightening, the Christian soul. . . . Verse 5. - Which was not made known to the sons of men in other generations. Though not a new purpose, the knowledge of it is new. Abraham, David, and the prophets, however much they knew of Christ and the fullness of blessing in him for all the families of the earth, did not know the full extent of God's grace to the Gentiles - did not know that the middle wall was to be wholly broken down, and all inequality removed. This might seem to throw some doubt on the reality of this doctrine; but it was on purpose that God kept it secret, and those by whom he has now revealed it are worthy of all regard. As it has now been revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets in the Spirit. It is not revealed to Paul only, although he has got the privilege of announcing it to the Gentiles, but to the whole body of "holy apostles and prophets." The designation, "holy apostles," is rare; it is used here to magnify the office, to show that those whom the Head of the Church had set apart for himself were fit instruments to receive so important a revelation. "Prophets" here are undoubtedly New Testament prophets (see Ephesians 2:20), the contrast being with "sons of men in other generations." Reference may be made to the experience and decree of the Council of Jerusalem, guided by the Holy Spirit (see Acts 15:28). Ephesians 3:5 teaches that God intentionally withheld the full mystery of Gentile inclusion until Christ’s work was complete. In this age, the Holy Spirit unveiled that mystery to the set-apart apostles and prophets, ensuring a trustworthy, Spirit-inspired foundation for the church.Parallel Commentaries ... Greek whichὃ (ho) Personal / Relative Pronoun - Nominative Neuter Singular Strong's 3739: Who, which, what, that. was not made known ἐγνωρίσθη (egnōristhē) Verb - Aorist Indicative Passive - 3rd Person Singular Strong's 1107: To make known, declare, know, discover. From a derivative of ginosko; to make known; subjectively, to know. to men ἀνθρώπων (anthrōpōn) Noun - Genitive Masculine Plural Strong's 444: A man, one of the human race. From aner and ops; man-faced, i.e. A human being. in other ἑτέραις (heterais) Adjective - Dative Feminine Plural Strong's 2087: (a) of two: another, a second, (b) other, different, (c) one's neighbor. Of uncertain affinity; other or different. generations γενεαῖς (geneais) Noun - Dative Feminine Plural Strong's 1074: From genos; a generation; by implication, an age. as ὡς (hōs) Adverb Strong's 5613: Probably adverb of comparative from hos; which how, i.e. In that manner. it has now been revealed ἀπεκαλύφθη (apekalyphthē) Verb - Aorist Indicative Passive - 3rd Person Singular Strong's 601: To uncover, bring to light, reveal. From apo and kalupto; to take off the cover, i.e. Disclose. by ἐν (en) Preposition Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc. [the] Spirit Πνεύματι (Pneumati) Noun - Dative Neuter Singular Strong's 4151: Wind, breath, spirit. to τοῖς (tois) Article - Dative Masculine Plural Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. [God’s] αὐτοῦ (autou) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons. holy ἁγίοις (hagiois) Adjective - Dative Masculine Plural Strong's 40: Set apart by (or for) God, holy, sacred. From hagos; sacred. apostles ἀποστόλοις (apostolois) Noun - Dative Masculine Plural Strong's 652: From apostello; a delegate; specially, an ambassador of the Gospel; officially a commissioner of Christ. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely. prophets. προφήταις (prophētais) Noun - Dative Masculine Plural Strong's 4396: From a compound of pro and phemi; a foreteller; by analogy, an inspired speaker; by extension, a poet. Additonal Resources Ephesians 3:5 Blue Letter BibleEphesians 3:5 Bible Gateway Ephesians 3:5 Bible.com Ephesians 3:5 NIV |
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